Three-dimensional sperm surface reconstruction: A novel approach to assessing sperm morphology
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Objective To create a rapid, inexpensive, efficient, and reproducible real-time three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of viable spermatozoa. Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormal semen profiles are associated with a modest increase in the frequency of sperm chromosomal abnormalities, and that sperm with aberrations in the shape and contours of the head may be carriers of chromatinic defects. Although high-power magnification and enhanced video-generated magnification have been suggested, these techniques are inherently limited by the clarity of the image, the time required for the analysis, and the risk of variable head-positioning during imaging. Design In vitro experiment. Setting University-affiliated infertility research laboratory. Patient(s) Anonymous sperm donors. Intervention(s) Individual motile sperm were identified, analyzed at ×600 magnification, and a 10-second digital video was obtained. Main Outcome Measure(s) Image-tracking software captured serial photographs of sperm from recorded videos. Images were automatically extracted from each video frame using enhanced correlation coefficient maximization; the general shape of the sperm was extracted via space-carving. The reconstructed image was rotated to permit viewing from any direction, and the final image was rendered through interpolation. Result(s) This technique yielded images that enable noninvasive, 3-D, real-time, in vitro assessment of sperm surface morphology. Conclusion(s) This proof-of-principle demonstrates that by keeping spermatozoa in a fluid environment, a 3-D sperm–surface reconstruction can be created. This technique can be automated, requires minimal computing power, and utilizes equipment already available in most embryology laboratories.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Fertility and Sterility |
Volume | 104 |
Issue number | 6 |
Pages (from-to) | e14-e15 |
ISSN | 0015-0282 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- noninvasive, Sperm morphology, three-dimensional
Research areas
ID: 301829344